Former Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among has taken on a new leadership role at the grassroots after being appointed Treasurer of Fairway Village Local Council One (LC1).
Among was appointed by newly elected Fairway Village LC1 Chairperson Proscovia Kirungi Kagaya, despite not having contested for any position during the recent village elections.
According to reports, Kagaya announced Among’s appointment after the conclusion of the elections, citing the former Speaker’s leadership experience and her status as a registered resident of the village.
The appointment places a former head of Uganda’s Parliament in charge of the finances of a village-level local council — a striking change in scale from the national political arena where Among previously presided over parliamentary proceedings.
Sources quoted in reports say Among followed the village elections through the community’s WhatsApp group and had earlier encouraged residents to participate in the polls. She reportedly did not publicly endorse a particular candidate, but remained engaged with the community during the electoral process.
Kagaya has reportedly expressed confidence in Among’s ability to handle the village’s finances, pointing to her experience in leadership and her standing within the community.
The appointment also comes at a difficult period for Among, who has faced investigations and legal scrutiny over allegations including corruption and money laundering. Reports have stressed that the allegations remain matters for the relevant authorities and that accusations should not be treated as convictions.
The development has attracted attention largely because of the contrast between Among’s former national responsibilities and her new grassroots position.
As Speaker of Parliament, Among occupied one of the country’s most powerful constitutional offices, overseeing parliamentary business and proceedings. Her appointment as an LC1 treasurer therefore represents a remarkable shift from the national political stage to the day-to-day administration of a residential community.
For Fairway Village, however, the appointment is being presented by its leadership as a practical decision based on trust, experience and Among’s connection to the community.
Kagaya is reported to have said that the community continues to support Among and hopes her experience can benefit the village.
The new role will require Among to work with other village leaders in managing and accounting for local resources, while participating in the affairs of the LC1.
Her appointment has consequently generated considerable public interest, with many Ugandans focusing on the unusual spectacle of a former Speaker of Parliament taking up a grassroots local-government position.
For now, Among’s political future remains a subject of public discussion, but at Fairway Village, the former Speaker has a new responsibility: keeping the books at LC1 level.
